Los Angeles Modifications Attorneys 

Tailoring Agreements to Your Needs

It's not uncommon for court orders to fall out of date with time. When individuals with court orders experience a substantial change in circumstances or certain life events occur, they may be able to modify an order, ensuring that any orders they're involved with accurately reflect their situation.

At the Law Offices of Korol & Velen, our Los Angeles order modification lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of legal modifications. Reach out for a consultation by calling (818) 962-4669 to discuss your case today. 

Types of Legal Modifications

Generally, people pursue one of three kinds of order modifications:

• A spousal support modification, which changes the amount of spousal support they receive or pay;
• A child support modification, which changes the amount of child support they receive or pay; or
• A child custody modification, which may change the rights of the parents and how much time they spend with the child.

To file for an order modification, one of the parties involved in the case must experience a "substantial change in circumstances" that would justify the modification of the order in question.

Common Reasons for Seeking Order Modifications

Some common examples of reasons to file for an order modification include:

• One party involved in the order loses their job or experiences financial difficulties that prevent them from paying support;
• One party receives a financial windfall that no longer makes support necessary or could enable them to pay for more support;
• In custody modification cases, one parent represents a danger to the child in the custody case, justifying the need to modify the order;
• A parent, child, or party develops a medical condition that renders them unable to comply with the current terms of their court order;
• In custody cases, changing the custody order would help the child thrive or serve their best interests.

The primary difference between spousal support modification cases and child support or custody modification cases is the court's priority. In any case involving children, the court will always prioritize the child's best interests over those of the parent, whereas in spousal support modification cases, the court may focus entirely on the adults involved in the order (although child support orders can play a role in spousal support payments).

The Process of Requesting a Modification in California

Requesting a modification to an existing family law order involves a formal legal process. The modification request must be presented to the court, and the party seeking the modification must show that there has been a significant change in circumstances that justifies the modification.

The process can vary depending on the type of order being modified, but generally follows the steps outlined below:

• Filing a Request for Order: To begin the modification process, the party seeking the modification must file a FL-300 Request for Order form with your county court, and serve the request for modification to the other party. This document outlines the specific changes being requested, such as a reduction in child support, a change in custody arrangements, or a modification of visitation schedules.
• Serving the Other Party: After filing the form, the requesting party must serve the other parent or involved party with the documents. This gives the other party an opportunity to respond and provide their own evidence or objections to the proposed modification. If the other party does not respond, the court may still proceed with the hearing and make a decision based on the evidence provided.
• Court Hearing: Once the form has been filed and served, a court hearing will be scheduled. During the hearing, both parties will have the opportunity to present evidence and argue for or against the proposed modification. A Los Angeles modifications lawyer can represent you at this hearing, helping to present the strongest case possible and demonstrating that the requested changes are in the best interests of the children or relevant parties involved.
• Judicial Decision: After hearing both parties' arguments and reviewing the evidence, the judge will make a decision on whether to grant the modification. The judge will consider whether the change in circumstances is substantial enough to warrant a modification and whether the proposed change serves the best interests of any children involved. If the modification is approved, the court will issue a new order reflecting the updated terms.

Factors the Court Considers When Granting a Modification

When determining whether to grant a modification, the court will primarily focus on what is in the best interest of any children involved in the case. California family law courts generally prioritize the welfare of children when making decisions about custody, support, and visitation.

The court will consider factors such as:

• The child’s emotional, physical, and developmental needs
• The relationship between the child and each parent
• The ability of each parent to meet the child’s needs
• The child’s preference (if they are old enough and mature enough to express one)
• The stability and health of each parent’s home environment
• Any history of domestic violence or abuse
• Changes in the child’s circumstances (e.g., medical conditions or education needs)

A Los Angeles modifications attorney can assist in presenting evidence that supports the best interests of the child and other important considerations that may influence the judge’s decision.

Why You Need a Los Angeles Modifications Lawyer

Modifications to family law orders can be complex, requiring careful consideration of the facts, the law, and the specific circumstances of your case. A skilled Los Angeles modifications lawyer is essential to help you navigate the process, ensure that your rights are protected, and improve the chances of a favorable outcome.

Whether you are seeking a modification to child custody, support, or visitation, or need to adjust an existing order due to changes in your circumstances, a knowledgeable attorney can provide the guidance and legal representation you need. With the right support, you can secure a modification that meets your needs and serves the best interests of your family.

At the Law Offices of Korol & Velen, our Los Angeles modification lawyers are here to help you pursue the best outcome in your order modification case. Contact us online or via phone at (818) 962-4669 to schedule a consultation with our team.